Home Decor Undersea World Counted Cross Stitch Kit

Specifications:

• This counted cross stitch kit contains cotton thread, 11 count aida, needle, and easy-to-follow instructions
• Everything needed to complete the design is included in the cross stitch kit
• Needlework project is quick and easy to stitch
• Distinctive from traditional framed artwork in the breathtaking detail and precision of the counted cross stitch kit
• Enjoy the satisfaction of bringing a stunning keepsake to life with this delightful counted cross stitch kit
• The counted cross stitch kit makes a wonderful gift for craft lovers, novice and pro alike
• Color: Blue
• Material: Cotton
• Size: 46 x 46cm/18.1 x 18.1in(11CT)

Details:

• This simple cross stitch contains cotton thread, 11 count aida, needle, and easy-to-follow instructions

• The pattern of this simple cross stitch is the undersea world which can create a mystery feeling when people are looking at it

• Needlework project of this simple cross stitch is quick and easy to stitch, and you can enjoy the fun during the embroidery

• You can enjoy the satisfaction of bringing a stunning keepsake to life with this delightful Counted Cross Stitch Kit

• This counted cross stitch chart is distinctive from traditional framed artwork in the breathtaking detail

How to Do Counted Cross Stitch

Whether it's an old-fashioned sampler or a pillow, many people find cross stitching to be a fun and relaxing hobby. One advantage of cross stitching is that it doesn't require years of sewing skill. Basic cross stitching involves creating rows of X-shaped stitches in different colored floss. Once you have the basic technique down, you can move on to more complicated patterns.

Instructions

Preparing to Cross Stitch

• Get all the counted cross stitch supplies at once. Beginners should start with a kit that has a smaller design because this will make it easier to learn how to cross stitch. Begin with Aida cloth that has a large thread count per inch; for instance, 14 count Aida has fewer threads per inch than 18 count Aida and for this reason is easier to cross stitch. Some beginners even start with 11 count Aida. The color of the fabric can affect the difficulty; it is harder to see the holes in dark fabric. Even if the kit comes with the tapestry needle, you should buy extra in case it gets lost. A size #22 needle is generally used for fabric that is 14 count, while size #24 or #26 needles are used for 18 or larger count. Using an embroidery hoop or stand is totally a matter of personal preference. They will keep the fabric taught, but your hands will tire more quickly.
• Prepare the fabric. If it is dark and you are not sure whether it is colorfast, rinse in clear water. If dye comes out in the water, continue to rinse until the water runs clear. Allow the fabric to almost dry and press with an iron to finish drying and remove any creases. Trim off any selvage edges to prevent uneven stress on the fabric. Finish the edge by either folding masking tape over the edge or using a no-fray liquid. Finishing is optional as fraying will be minimal.
• Find the center of the fabric by folding it in half and then fold it in half in the opposite direction. The inside corner is the center of the fabric. Mark it with a safety pin or insert a thread of contrasting color. Find the center of the pattern and mark it as well.
• Thread the needle with the color floss that is in the center of the pattern. Beginning to cross stitch at this point will make sure the design is centered. Separate the floss completely. Although you cannot prevent the floss from twisting, separating the floss helps. Check the instructions that come with the pattern to determine how many strands are to be used. Measure approximately 18 to 20 inches of the floss and thread the needles. Do not put a knot in the end of the thread.

Cross Stitching

• Insert the fabric in the embroidery hoop or stand, if you are using one. Whether the fabric is pulled taut or not is also a personal preference. Look at the center of the pattern and determine how many cross stitches of the color floss that is on the needle will be in that section. Insert the needle from the underside of the fabric, coming up next to the center mark. Pull the thread almost out, holding approximately 1 inch on the underside with a finger of your opposite hand. You will secure the floss by looping several stitches over it as you make the first four or five cross stitches.
• Cross stitch by one of two methods. You can cross stitch each X completely before moving to the next one. Or you can cross stitch all the bottom parts of the Xs on one row, stitching from left to right and then cross stitch the top parts of the Xs by moving right to left. Continue until all the Xs in that color for that section are done. If the color is used again nearby--no more than three or four squares away--move over and begin cross stitching there. Don't move more than three squares to cross stitch another section with that color of floss, as it might show through the fabric.
• Finish the thread in the similar manner as you began it. When you have about 2 inches of thread left on the needle, turn the fabric over and feed the thread under four or five stitches to secure the end. Cut off the excess.
• Do any outlining after all the Xs are stitched. Thread the needle with the appropriate color and do a backstitch. Bring the needle up through one hole and go back to the left and down through the hole. Then move the needle two holes to the right of the first hole and

Tips & Warnings

• To help with twisting floss, release the needle and hold the fabric up so that the floss will untangle itself. Use a pencil or highlighter to mark each row and section on the pattern as it is finished. If your kit comes with dark fabric, place a sheet of white paper on your lap and sit near a lamp so that the light will hit the cloth and paper. This makes the holes easier to see.
• Cross stitching for a long time can cause eye strain. Look up every few minutes and rest your eyes. If you begin to experience eye strain, try using a crafter's magnifying glass. Cross stitching can fatigue your hands. Put the fabric down approximately every 10 minutes and flex your hands.

How to Finish Counted Cross Stitch:

• Step One: Start from the top left of the stitch, then bring the needle through from the bottom, holding the tail at the back of the thread. Leave about an inch (2.5 cm) on the back for an anchor if not using the loop start method
• Step Two: Bring the thread down to the lower right corner
• Step Three: Then back up through the upper right and down through the lower left, forming an X. Each time you should pull the thread all the way through so that it is flush with the fabric surface
• Step Four: Start your next stitch so it uses two of the same holes as the picture
• Step Five: Repeat, making sure your stitches overlap your anchor thread on the back of the fabric

How to wash cross stitch

• Use only cold water for the wash and rinse. Tap water is fine unless you have very hard water, then you will want to use distilled water. Make sure the sink and any containers you will use are clean.
• Pre-rinse the piece under cold, running water.
• Place in a soapy cold water and gently wash. Do not scrub. For detergent I recommend Yarn Tree's FabriCare, but other products are available. Avoid soaps that have additives such as fragrances, softeners, etc. Use only a small amount of detergent.
• If needed, rinse and wash a second time. DO NOT WRING the water out; this is not necessary and can pull the stitches.
• Rinse three times in cold water.
• As you work, check carefully for any sign of color bleeding, 'hoop marks' or other stains.
• Remove the piece from the final rinse. Let the water drain out of the fabric, but DO NOT WRING.
• Place the cross stitch on a dry bath towel, and roll up the towel (with the cross stitch still on the towel).
• Unroll the towel and repeat on a dry section of the towel (or another towel). Gently pressing on the rolled up towel will remove all the water you need to remove. Repeat as necessary.
• Unroll the towel. Lay the cross stitch face up on a dry section of the towel. If necessary, let the piece air dry until it is just damp but not dripping wet.
• Once again, check for any stains or marks. Once you iron the piece, it will be even more difficult to remove any stains.
• Place the cross stitch FACE DOWN on a DRY BATH TOWEL. Use an iron set to a low or medium temperature and lightly press the BACK of the cross stitch. If you have beads, special threads, etc. you want to be extra careful with this step. Keep the iron constantly moving. If you have not used that iron in a while, practice on a scrap piece of cross stitch fabric. Make sure the steam setting is 'off', and the iron is not 'spitting' steam. For the temperature setting, keep in mind the types of materials you used in the cross stitch; if there is any question, use a lower temperature.
• The cross stitch will still be slightly damp. Lay it face up on the towel and allow to air dry.

Package Included:

• 1 x Aida
• 1 x Thread Accessory
• 2 x Needles
• 1 x Instruction